aps in counselling on family planning side effects are contributing to low uptake of modern contraceptives in Uganda, according to findings from a new Ministry of Health competency assessment of family planning services.
The assessment found that many women discontinue contraceptive methods after experiencing side effects without seeking medical advice, even though most reactions can be managed through proper counselling, follow-up care or by switching to another method.
Presenting the findings to journalists on Friday, Dr Chris Ebong, a Senior Medical Officer in the Ministry of Health’s Department of Reproductive and Child Health, said the competency-based assessment evaluated whether health workers were providing adequate counselling before and after offering family planning services.
He said the findings showed that many women, particularly users of long-acting methods such as implants and intrauterine devices, often have the methods removed at different health facilities instead of returning to the original provider for counselling and management of side effects.
The assessment findings are reinforced by a nationwide study by Makerere University School of Public Health and the Uganda Bureau of Statistics, which found that although 94.3 percent of women of reproductive age know about modern contraceptive methods and where to obtain them, only 38 percent were using a modern method in 2025.
Prof. Frederick Makumbi, who led the study, said fear and experience of side effects remain among the leading reasons women aged 15 to 49 either avoid or discontinue family planning.
Respondents cited excessive bleeding, headaches, weight changes and physical discomfort, while others were deterred by misconceptions, including claims that contraceptives cause cancer.
In response to the findings, the Ministry of Health is introducing a digital reporting system that will allow contraceptive users to report side effects through a chatbot.
Daniel Aguma, a pharmacist responsible for the family planning supply chain at the Ministry of Health, said the platform will enable women to receive information about side effects, obtain professional advice and be referred to the nearest health facility where necessary.
The ministry has also trained Community Health Extension Workers (CHEWs) to provide selected family planning services within communities while collecting feedback from women experiencing side effects.
However, the Makerere University survey also found that most of the 96 health facilities assessed did not have a complete stock of essential contraceptive commodities.
Aguma acknowledged that stockouts still occur but said many result from delays in submitting orders through the digital logistics system rather than shortages at the national level.-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
